Hunt for Happiness Week is Jan. 18 to 24. An easier way to figure out what makes you happy is to first identify what makes you unhappy. Get rid of those things that do.

Happiness is different for everyone. There are countless ways to lead a happier life.

First thing on waking is to appreciate that you’re still here and be thankful for what you do have. Many of our ages didn’t wake up this morning.

We need to consciously choose happiness; it doesn’t just happen. Pursue it and commit to making it a priority in your life.

Rarely does life turn out as planned – but that shouldn’t stop anyone from finding ways to be happy.

This quote I find very helpful: “Bloom where you’re planted.” That suggests that we make the best out of any situation.

Hospice Drawing

Tickets are on sale for a Bahamas cruise drawing for two on Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. Five days and four nights, sailing from Port Canaveral to Coco Cay and Nassau.

Tickets are $1 each and all proceeds will benefit Hospice of Marion County. Winner has sailing date options.

The drawing will be Feb. 14, at the H & R ballroom. Call Margaret at 854-7306 or Ruth at 854-1128 for tickets.

Master the Possibilities

Unfortunately this was left out of the catalog, but it is on master the possibilities.com Web site. There is not much time left to register for this, so consider this great opportunity sponsored by MTP and Becky’s Travel. You’ll need to register right away.

Next week will be one of the busiest for the Master the Possibilities education program. There are 38 classes and presentations scheduled! Many of these deal specifically with Florida topics … wildlife, area highlights, history, literature and much more.

You won’t want to miss these great opportunities to learn about where you live. Experts will make these a fun way to find out more about our Sunshine State.

There will also be a fine selection of art, computer and current events classes. Dr. Keith Nadel will offer his second lecture dealing with the “Superpowers of the 21st Century.”

They expect about 1,000 enrollments for this very interesting week … but it’s not too late to register, many still have openings. Go to masterthepossibilities.com to download the catalog and register online or stop by the Center at 8415 S.W. 80th St. These programs are all open to the public.

“Hoofin’ it” for Hospice

Our 9th annual “Hoofin’ It” for Hospice walk will be Saturday, Feb. 28. We will meet in the lower level of the H & R center from 8 to 9 a.m.

Help us with your donations from friends and neighbors and join us for an easy, well-marked two-mile walk, rain or shine.

Hospice has provided patient care in Marion County for 25 years. OTOW Communities has contributed more than $75,000 to Legacy House for patient comfort and care.

Thanks to all who have supported Hospice in the past and let’s walk for fun and deed. For more information, call Ruth Goldstine at 854-1128.

Democratic Party

The Marion County Democratic Party is celebrating the inauguration of the president and vice president of the United States of America on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Ocala Hilton. For ticket information, call Jeanne Collins at 291-2925 or e-mail sally4obama@ gmail.com.

Travel Toppers

April 1: 101 Years of Broadway at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Includes box lunch, show, bus and driver tip. Cost is $43 per person. Call Ruth between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 854-1128.

April 17 to 24, 2010: Bermuda cruise. Prices start at $859 per person. Call Audrey for more information on both cruises at 854-7074.

Singles Club

On Jan. 8, the Singles Club met at the ACC. After a short meeting, Ruth Goldstine spoke about Hospice. The OTOW community has done a lot and continues to do much for them.

Ruth handed out a registration form for this year’s Hoofin’ it for Hospice walk Feb. 28, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the H & R building. It’s a 2-mile walk, rain or shine, to raise funds for Hospice. Those who prefer not to walk, can donate funds to the ones who will.

A speaker from the Sheriff’s Office spoke on Personal Safety and Self Defense. She gave lots of information on prevention and survival.

This was part one. The second part takes place in a building near the jail visitation building. The next one will be Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. This will teach what to do in case of some sort of attack.

Some of her recommendations are: at night, park closer to the lights of stores or malls. Do not carry personal items that cannot be easily replaced.

June Roberta is retired and lives in OTOW. She enjoyed a diverse career, including being a legal secretary to a theatrical attorney on Madison Avenue. Call her at 237-9208, or e-mail OTOW news to her at jroberta@cfl.rr.com. Deadline is a week prior to Friday’s publication.